Explore the stunning natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast on a private 6-hour boat tour from St. Petersburg. This customizable adventure allows you to focus on activities like dolphin watching, fishing, snorkeling, or birding. Discover the hidden gems of Fort De Soto Park and Egmont Key State Park, where you’ll encounter historic fort ruins, pristine beaches, and an abundance of wildlife. As you float along the serene, otherworldly waters, you’ll have the chance to snorkel around the submerged remnants of a 19th-century fortification. This well-appointed tour promises an unforgettable experience, and with essential amenities on board, you’re sure to enjoy every moment. But the real question is, where will this journey take you?
Key Points
- A private 6-hour boat tour along the Florida Gulf coast, exploring Fort De Soto Park and Egmont Key State Park, starting at $900 for up to 6 people.
- Customizable tour with activities like dolphin watching, fishing, snorkeling, shelling, and birding, tailored to guests’ interests.
- Opportunity to snorkel around the submerged remnants of a 19th-century fort, immersing in the vibrant underwater ecosystem.
- Explore the pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and coastal marshes of Fort De Soto Park, with chances for shelling, swimming, and scenic picnicking.
- Visit the secluded Egmont Key State Park, home to a 19th-century fort, lighthouse, and nesting sea turtles, with diverse bird species.
Tour Details and Pricing
This private 6-hour boat tour along the Florida Gulf coast provides guests with a customizable adventure, with pricing starting at $900 per group of up to 6 people.
Guests can choose to focus the tour on their interests, whether that’s dolphin watching, fishing, snorkeling, shelling, birding, or simply island hopping.
The tour explores the stunning Fort De Soto Park and Egmont Key State Park, where travelers can snorkel around old fort ruins and enjoy beach time, shell collecting, and swimming.
The tour includes the boat, crew, basic amenities like fruit and water, and gear like sun umbrellas, beach mats, and snorkeling equipment. Food, drinks, and fishing gear aren’t included, nor are tips for the crew.
Customizable Tour Activities
Guests can customize their 6-hour private boat tour to focus on their specific interests, whether that’s dolphin watching, fishing, snorkeling, shelling, birding, or simply exploring the beautiful islands and coastline. For nature enthusiasts, there are opportunities to spot dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species in Fort De Soto Park and Egmont Key State Park. Thrill-seekers can snorkel around the ruins of an old fort, while beachgoers can spend time collecting seashells and swimming. The experienced crew is happy to curate the perfect day on the water based on the group’s preferences.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Dolphin Watching | Spot dolphins in their natural habitat |
| Fishing | Cast a line and try your hand at catching fish |
| Snorkeling | Explore the underwater world near the fort ruins |
| Shelling | Collect a variety of seashells along the beaches |
| Birding | Observe the diverse array of bird species |
| Island Hopping | Discover the hidden gems of the Florida Gulf coast |
Fort De Soto Park Exploration
Visitors to the 6-hour private boat tour can explore the expansive Fort De Soto Park, a natural wonder teeming with diverse wildlife and rich history.
This barrier island offers miles of pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and coastal marshes. Guests can wander the historical fort ruins, dating back to the Spanish-American War, and learn about its strategic military significance.
The park’s diverse ecosystems are home to an array of bird species, including herons, egrets, and bald eagles, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. With opportunities for shelling, swimming, and scenic picnicking, Fort De Soto Park provides a truly immersive and memorable Gulf Coast experience for tour participants.
Egmont Key State Park Visit
Another highlight of the 6-hour private boat tour is a visit to the secluded Egmont Key State Park. Situated at the mouth of Tampa Bay, this historically significant island offers a glimpse into Florida’s past, with the remnants of a 19th-century fort and lighthouse beckoning exploration. Guests can wander the island’s sandy beaches, spotting nesting sea turtles and a diverse array of bird species. For the more adventurous, snorkeling around the old fort ruins provides a unique underwater experience. The island’s rich history and natural beauty make it a must-see destination on this comprehensive tour.
| Egmont Key State Park | |
|---|---|
| Highlights | – 19th-century fort and lighthouse ruins – Pristine beaches and nesting sea turtles – Diverse bird species – Snorkeling around historic fort |
| Accessibility | – Accessible only by boat – Guided tours and ranger programs available |
Snorkeling Around Old Fort Ruins
For those seeking a truly immersive experience, the opportunity to snorkel around the old fort ruins on Egmont Key is simply unparalleled.
Exploring the submerged remnants of this 19th-century fortification offers a unique window into Florida’s storied maritime past, as divers gracefully glide over weathered walls and arched entryways, now home to a vibrant underwater ecosystem.
Schools of colorful fish dart in and out of the fortress’ crumbling structures, while delicate coral formations cling to the aging masonry.
Snorkelers can almost imagine the bustling activity that once filled these waters, now replaced by a serene, otherworldly beauty. It’s a chance to commune with history in the most intimate of ways.
Beach, Shelling, and Swimming
Along With the captivating snorkeling experience around the old fort ruins, the private boat tour also allows guests to relish in the pure tranquility of the region’s pristine beaches, where they can indulge in the simple pleasures of shell collecting and swimming in the inviting Gulf waters.
As the boat gently drifts along the shoreline, guests can disembark and stroll along the powdery white sand, carefully sifting through the shells and treasures left behind by the tides.
The warm, crystal-clear waters of the Gulf beckon visitors to take a refreshing dip, offering a chance to cool off and truly enjoy the natural beauty of this coastal paradise.
These idyllic beach experiences seamlessly complement the other captivating activities on the private tour.
Included Tour Amenities
The private boat tour provides a well-stocked onboard amenity package, including fresh fruit and bottled water to quench guests’ thirst and refreshment needs during the excursion.
Along With the beverages, the tour includes a sun umbrella and beach mat for comfort and shade while exploring the shores of the Gulf of Mexico.
Shelling shovels are also provided, allowing guests to easily uncover the area’s diverse array of seashells.
For those wishing to venture beneath the waves, the tour includes high-quality snorkel gear, enabling guests to discover the underwater wonders surrounding the old fort ruins.
With these thoughtful inclusions, the tour ensures a comfortable and well-equipped experience for all participants.
Meeting Point and Directions
To reach the meeting point for the private Florida Gulf boat tour, guests will enter the marina behind the store, pass the boat ramp, and go through the gate. They’ll then park next to the black Chevy truck, in the spot marked with the St Pete Beach Eco Tours sign, where a provided parking pass will be waiting for them.
This clear and straightforward meeting point ensures a seamless start to the adventure:
- The marina’s layout, with the boat ramp and gated entrance, provides a distinct landmark for guests to easily identify.
- Parking in the designated spot next to the Chevy truck simplifies the process, with the parking pass ready for convenience.
- The St Pete Beach Eco Tours sign serves as a visual cue, confirming the correct location for the tour’s departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Tour Be Customized for Children?
The tour can be customized for children. The group can focus on activities like dolphin watching, snorkeling, and beach exploration that are engaging and safe for younger participants. The crew is experienced in accommodating families.
What if the Weather Is Bad on the Scheduled Tour Day?
If the weather’s poor on the scheduled tour day, the operator will typically reschedule the tour to another suitable day. They’ll work closely with the customer to find an alternate date that works for everyone.
Are There Any Age or Health Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age or health restrictions for the tour, though guests should be able to board and move around the boat safely. Children are welcome, but parents should supervise them closely on the water.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes bottled water and fruit, but additional snacks, lunches, and beverages can be brought along to enjoy during the 6-hour boat excursion.
Is the Boat Wheelchair Accessible?
The boat is wheelchair accessible, allowing guests with mobility challenges to fully enjoy the tour. The crew can assist with boarding and provide any necessary accommodations to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience.
Recap
Set out on a captivating 6-hour private boat tour along Florida’s stunning Gulf coast.
Customize your experience to explore remarkable natural wonders, from the historic fort ruins of Egmont Key to the pristine beaches of Fort De Soto Park.
Snorkel around submerged fortifications, spot diverse wildlife, and learn about the serene, otherworldly beauty of this coastal paradise.
With essential amenities provided, this tour promises a comfortable and unforgettable adventure.
